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The first days of back-to-school can truly set the stage for the entire school year with students. Read-aloud books are a perfect way to get to know one another, encourage class discussions, and figure out which values will define your class's identity. Here are 53 of our favorite back-to-school books plus follow-up activities for each one.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

1. How To Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst

Just like many little ones, Octopus is nervous about going to school. He would rather stay at home and play, so he finds clever places to hide. Your students will get a kick out of trying to find him in the colorful illustrations.

Buy it: How To Get Your Octopus to School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share with a neighbor about a time they hid when it was time to go somewhere they didn't want to go. Ask them to include details about where and why they hid.

2. The Smallest Spot of a Dot by Michael Tyler

When you head off to school, you meet a lot of kids that seem to be really different from you. This charming story teaches us how much we really all have in common.

Buy it: The Smallest Spot of a Dot at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Play a round of Get to Know You Bingo or one of these other fun icebreakers.

3. Lou's Zoo and Winston Too by JoAnn M. Dickinson

Winston the Wise Owl joins the neighborhood in this sweet follow-up to the book Who's New at Lou's Zoo? With his help, his new friends learn how to solve problems with kindness and compassion.

Buy it: Lou's Zoo and Winston Too at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Together with your students, make a kindness chain. Or try one of the other activities in 19 Activities To Help Nurture Kindness in Your Students

4. The Two of Us Belong Together by Michael Engler

Little Hare and Little Hedgehog become friends and learn to respect and enjoy all of the things that make each of them unique.

Buy it: The Two of Us Belong Together at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students pair up and create a Venn diagram together about the things they have in common and the things that make each of them unique.

5. The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer by Benjamin Chaud

When the teacher asks the main character what they did over the summer, he tells a fantastical tale full of daring and adventure. But is it all true? Your students will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find out.

Buy it: The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have your students create a comic strip of what they did (or maybe didn't do?) over summer. Download some of these free comic strip templates.

6. Never, Not Ever! by Beatrice Alemagna

Pascaline is NOT going to school, regardless of what the other kids are doing. But in a clever twist, her parents figure out a way to help her overcome her fear and anxiety.

Buy it: Never, Not Ever! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask your students to tell a follow-up story about what happened after Pascaline got to school.

7. Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney

From the beloved Llama Llama series, this story deals with back-to-school anxiety. Llama wants summer to go on forever. He's had such a lovely time with his friends and family. How will Mama Llama convince him that going back to school will be fun?

Buy it: Llama Llama Back to School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Gather your students in a circle and talk about all the fun things that happen in school. Create a large poster with their insights and post it on the wall to remind them of how much fun they are going to have this year.

8. Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins

An energetic, funny book that follows Harry through the first 100 days of first grade-from name games to making friends to learning how to be a friend. It's broken into short chapters, so add this to your list of back-to-school books for a fun way to start your first days of school.

Buy it: Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Start a 100-link paper chain to mark your first 100 days together, or try one of these fun activities.

9. The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague

When a child is born, their circle is very small. As they grow, the circle around them grows to include family, friends, and neighbors. This sweet story is perfect for back-to-school to set the tone for enlarging our circles to include new friends and experiences.

Buy it: The Circles All Around Us at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Watch this video, adorably narrated by the author's children.

10. Principal Tate Is Running Late! by Henry Cole

Looking for funny back-to-school books? When Principal Tate is running late, the students, teachers, parents, and visitors at Hardy Elementary School must come together to keep school running smoothly.

Buy it: Principal Tate Is Running Late! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Try one (or more) of these fun team-building activities with your students.

11. Hello World! by Kelly Corrigan

Everywhere we go, we can meet interesting people who add value to our lives. This charmingly illustrated book is a great conversation starter to help your students get to know one another.

Buy it: Hello World! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Try one (or more) of these icebreaker activities with your students.

12. A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen

In this heartwarming book, a teacher writes a love note to her students. She shares all the things she is looking forward to for the school year and all the fun things they will share.

Buy it: A Letter From Your Teacher on the First Day of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to turn to a friend and share what they are most looking forward to this school year.

13. Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

If you're looking for the best back-to-school books to ease your students' butterflies, try this sweet story. Rosie gets a new backpack and can hardly wait for school to start. But the first morning, she's not so sure. "You just have butterflies in your belly," her mom tells her.

Buy it: Butterflies on the First Day of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Play a game of toss-around. Form a circle and begin by telling your students how you are feeling about the new school year. For example, "I was nervous, but now I'm excited." Toss the ball to a student so they can share how they're feeling. Play continues until every student who wants to has had a chance to participate.

14. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

An inspirational rhyming book that teaches kids the power of "yet." We all have a lot to learn in life, and sometimes skills we wish we had just aren't there ... yet. A book about perseverance and having faith in yourself. Add this to your list of back-to-school books that teach growth mindset.

Buy it: The Magical Yet at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to write an entry in their journal about something they are hoping to learn or get better at this year.

15. My Wild First Day of School by Dennis Mathew

This humorous book by the author of Bello the Cello encourages kids to be brave, take a risk, and try something new.

Buy it: My Wild First Day of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Brainstorm a list of "what if" questions with your students. Tap into their hopes and wishes and set the stage for an amazing year.

16. Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins

If you're looking for the best back-to-school books about individuality, you're going to want to check out this quirky tale. It's all about marching to the beat of your own drum. What would happen if you dreamed big?

Buy it: Most Marshmallows at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to write in their journals about what makes them unique.

17. If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen

Hover desks? Robo-chef in the cafeteria? Field trips to Mars? The main character of this school story has some out-of-this-world ideas about what his ideal school would look like!

Buy it: If I Built a School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to draw a picture, with captions and explanations, showing what their perfect school would look like.

18. Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

A young girl learns the musicality of African, Asian, Black American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names and returns to school eager to share with her classmates.

Buy it: Your Name Is a Song at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Go around the circle and ask each student if there is a story behind their name.

19. Our Class Is a Family by Shannon Olsen

Back-to-school books like this one show your class that they are a family, no matter whether they meet for online or in-person learning.

Buy it: Our Class Is a Family at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have each student draw an image of their family and "extended family."

20. Tomorrow I'll Be Kind by Jessica Hische

Sometimes the smallest gesture of kindness goes a long way. Reading sweet back-to-school books like this one teaches young ones how to be good friends and classmates.

Buy it: Tomorrow I'll Be Kind at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share what is the most important thing about being a good friend.

21. I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison

Students will love the rhythm and sounds in this book about back-to-school spirit. VROOM, VROOM! RING-A-DING!

Buy it: I Got the School Spirit at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share the sounds they identify with school.

22. Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

Mo Willems has written some fantastic back-to-school books. In this one, when Gerald tells Piggie he has a surprise for him, Piggie can hardly wait. In fact, he has a hard time waiting all day! But when the sun goes down, and the Milky Way fills the night sky, Piggie learns that some things are worth the wait.

Buy it: Waiting Is Not Easy! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask your students to turn to a partner and share a time that they had to wait for something.

23. Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can't Go to School! by Christina Geist

If you're looking for back-to-school books for students who are having a hard time leaving their parents, this sweet tale is a good pick. Perfect for the child who is feeling a little nervous about going to school, this story features a family that doesn't want to be left behind.

Buy it: Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can't Go to School! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Draw a picture of what school would look like if students' moms and dads came to school with them.

24. The Pigeon Has To Go to School! by Mo Willems

Want more back-to-school books by Mo Willems? This silly picture book addresses many of the fears and anxieties that little ones feel as they get ready to go to school for the first time.

Buy it: The Pigeon Has To Go to School! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: This one will get kids riled up, so after reading, have them stand up and shake their sillies out.

25. School's First Day of School by Adam Rex

There are books about children, parents, and teachers being nervous for the first day of school. This adorable book examines the first day of school from the perspective of the school itself.

Buy it: School's First Day of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Project a photo of your school onto the board as inspiration as kids draw and color in their own image of school.

26. Brown Bear Starts School by Sue Tarsky

Sweet little Brown Bear worries about the first day of school, but soon he realizes he is more capable than he thought.

Buy it: Brown Bear Starts School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students turn and talk about one worry they had before school started.

27. Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! by Lisa Robinson

Need back-to-school books for kindergartners? Ahoy, mateys! Pirate Emma has a hard time transitioning from her beloved preschool captain to the new captain aboard the S.S. Kindergarten.

Buy it: Pirates Don't Go to Kindergarten! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to share their favorite things about preschool, which you can record on a piece of chart paper. As you list them, tell students something that will be just as fun about kindergarten.

28. The Cool Bean by Jory John and Pete Oswald

Once "peas in a pod," poor chickpea doesn't fit in with the other beans anymore. Despite having grown apart, the other beans are always there to lend a hand when chickpea is in need.

Buy it: The Cool Bean at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to write about a friend from whom they have grown apart.

29. How To Read a Book by Kwame Alexander

Back-to-school books can inspire students with beautiful illustrations about the miraculous pleasures of reading that will inspire the book lover in all of us. One reader gushes, "Every page is a wonder as the words and art melt into one."

Buy it: How To Read a Book at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask students to write one colorful sentence in praise of reading.

30. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton

The bubbly main character of this sweet story is bursting with excitement for the first day of school. His confidence will be contagious for your new kindergartners.

Buy it: The King of Kindergarten at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students turn to a neighbor and tell them the one thing they were most excited about on the first day of school.

31. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Starting fresh in a new environment can be scary, especially when you look around and think that nobody quite looks or sounds like you. This lovely story will inspire your students to understand the gifts of individuality.

Buy it: The Day You Begin at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have your students play get-to-know-you bingo to find out just how much they have in common with their classmates.

32. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

A lovely story that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a school where everyone, no matter their dress or skin color, is welcomed with open arms.

Buy it: All Are Welcome at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Create an anchor chart of character traits. Brainstorm with your students all the ways they are alike and some of the ways they may be different.

33. We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

One of the silliest back-to-school books, this story will crack up your students. Little Penelope Rex is nervous about going to school for the first time. She has some very important questions: What are my classmates going to be like? Will they be nice? How many teeth will they have? Little ones will relate to this charming story.

Buy it: We Don't Eat Our Classmates at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask your students to share some of the questions they wondered about before starting school.

34. You're Finally Here! by Melanie Watt

A perfect first read-aloud book to show your students how excited you are to finally meet them! Follow along with the main character, Bunny, as he bounces through a hilarious range of emotions. All of your students will recognize the back-to-school feelings beneath the surface of this silly, in-your-face story.

Buy it: You're Finally Here! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students draw a self-portrait that shows the strongest emotion they felt coming into school this year.

35. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach at the prospect of being the newbie. Sarah Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. Kids will love the delightful surprise ending of this sweet story!

Buy it: First Day Jitters at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students write about a time they were scared and how their situation turned out. Or have students partner with a friend and tell their stories to each other.

36. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

When Unhei, a young Korean girl, arrives at her new school in the United States, she begins to wonder if she should also choose a new name. Does she need an American name? How will she choose? And what should she do about her Korean name? This heartwarming story speaks to anyone who has ever been the new kid or welcomed one into their familiar surroundings.

Buy it: The Name Jar at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have groups of students brainstorm 10 different ways they could make a new student feel welcome in class and create a poster to display.

37. The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz

John is the new kid in school. When asked if the school is any different from his last one, he weaves a wildly creative tale that captures the attention of his new classmates. A hilarious story about conquering the fear of being the new kid.

Buy it: The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students write a tall tale about what school was like last year to share with their new classmates.

38. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

You might think a book with no pictures would be serious and boring, but this book has a catch! Everything, and we mean everything, written on the page must be read out loud by the person reading the book, regardless of how goofy and preposterous it may be. Irresistibly silly!

Buy it: The Book With No Pictures at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students work with a new friend or partner to create their own short book with no pictures. (Be sure to set clear parameters about content before letting students create.)

39. Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! by Rob Scotton

How can there be homework when it's only the first day of school? Splat must pick only one of all of his fun summer adventures to share with his classmates at show-and-tell.

Buy it: Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: First-day-of-school homework, of course! Have students write about one of their favorite summer adventures.

40. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff

You know the routine ... if you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack too. Another silly story from one of our favorite authors that is not only fun but lays the groundwork for teaching sequencing.

Buy it: If You Take a Mouse to School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Using a long, narrow sheet of paper folded accordion-style, have students create their own "If You Take ..." book. Students can build on the mouse story or create a character of their own.

41. Dear Teacher by Amy Husband

This hilarious collection of letters from Michael to his new teacher comes packed with alligators, pirates, rocket ships, and much, much more. Can Michael's imagination save him from the first day of school?

Buy it: Dear Teacher at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students write a postcard to a friend or family member telling them about their fun first week of school!

42. How To Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan

In a charming role reversal, the students in this story gently guide their teacher through the getting-ready process for back-to-school. Your students will laugh and surely learn a lesson or two themselves.

Buy it: How To Get Your Teacher Ready at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students compile a list of rules that will help their teacher have the best year ever.

43. If You Ever Want To Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! by Elise Parsley

An alligator for show-and-tell sounds like TONS of fun. What could possibly go wrong? Magnolia is determined to have the best show-and-tell ever. What will she do when her reptilian pal starts wreaking havoc in the classroom? This hilarious story is sure to inspire even the timidest of show-and-tellers.

Buy it: If You Ever Want To Bring an Alligator to School, Don't! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students write a story or draw a picture about something outrageous they would bring to school for show-and-tell.

44. This School Year Will Be the Best! by Kay Winters

On the first day of school, new classmates are asked to share what they hope for in the upcoming year. The children's wishes, from the familiar to the off-the-wall, are shown in humorously exaggerated illustrations. As the first day draws to a close, there can be no doubt this school year will definitely be the best!

Buy it: This School Year Will Be the Best! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students draw a star, put their name in the middle, and write one wish for the school year on each point (total of five). Then, have them loop a colorful ribbon through a hole on top to hang from the classroom ceiling.

45. Back-to-School Rules by Laurie Friedman

School is in session! When it comes to surviving school, Percy has 10 simple rules that show there is more to school than showing up on time and staying awake in class, including no spitballs, no running in the halls, and no crazy scheming! See what other trouble-and tips-Percy has in mind!

Buy it: Back-to-School Rules at Amazon

Follow-up activity: As a whole class, brainstorm "rules" that will make this year the best ever. Then, have students transfer their ideas to a class-promise poster that can hang prominently for the rest of the year. Have each student sign their name to make it official.

46. David Goes to School by David Shannon

David's antics in the classroom will make your students giggle with recognition. He's so enthusiastic about going back to school! But David needs to learn that every classroom needs rules so that every student can learn.

Buy it: David Goes to School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Gather the whole class on the rug. Select a few students to act out "bad" behavior and ask the other students to explain why the behavior is not OK for the classroom. Then have the same students act out the "good" behavior. Repeat with different sets of students to address the different rules you are reinforcing in your classroom.

47. A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper

One of the best back-to-school books for kindergartners, this story will help ease their worries before the event. Tommy's barnyard friends are worried. He's gone to a place called kindergarten. They wonder what will happen to him and if he will ever come back. Eventually, he returns with exciting tales of all the fun and learning he's had.

Buy it: A Place Called Kindergarten at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have your students take a "field trip" around the school to learn more about their new "barnyard."

48. Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

Is your buffalo ready for kindergarten? Does he play nicely with friends? Check. Share his toys? Check. Is he smart? Check!

Buy it: Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Follow along with Buffalo's checklist in this hilarious look at first-day-of-school jitters.

49. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! by Lucille Colandro

We've all heard about the old lady who swallowed a fly. Well, now she's getting ready for back-to-school and is swallowing up a whole assortment of things to make it the best first day ever!

Buy it: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Trace the image of the old lady from the book cover without the books in her hands. Make a copy for each of your students and have them fill in the picture and write a sentence about what they would "swallow" for the first weeks of school if they were the old lady.

50. School Is Cool! by Sabrina Moyle

Holy smokes, tomorrow is the first day of school! The characters in this story have lots of needless worries as they discover that school is cool.

Buy it: School Is Cool! at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students do a turn-and-share about one thing they were worried about before the new school year started and how they are feeling about their worry now.

51. Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London

Lovable favorite Froggy is off for his first day of school. His mama is worried, but not him! He hops off with his trademark enthusiasm and curiosity.

Buy it: Froggy Goes to School at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Together with your class, make a "Top 10 Best Things About School" poster. Ask for students' input, then vote on the top 10.

52. Chairs on Strike by Jennifer Jones

Everyone's excited about going back to school. Everyone, that is, but the classroom chairs. They've had enough of wiggly bottoms and smelly kids and go on strike to protest.

Buy it: Chairs on Strike at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Ask for volunteers to play the part of the different chairs and act out the story. Have a few rounds so that as many students that want to participate can.

53. It's OK To Be Different by Sharon Purtill

If you're looking for a back-to-school book that embraces the uniqueness of your class, this is a lovely tale that subtly broaches the subjects of diversity and kindness in a way that students can grasp.

Buy it: It's OK To Be Different at Amazon

Follow-up activity: Have students reflect about the one thing that they think is truly unique about themselves and write a paragraph (or more) about this trait in their journals.

Plus, if you like these back-to-school books, check out all of our book lists here.

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These back-to-school books are a great way to facilitate discussions and to encourage students to feel comfortable sharing.

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1.Desks arranged to help classroom flow.
A. Groups of fours
B. Flexible Seating
2.Students Beginning name tags on their assigned desk and backpack hooks.
3.Supplies for students to create their "new and improved" name tags for desks. (ie. crayons, markers, stickers)
4.Polaroid Camera photos of students for our "Getting to know y'all board.
5.Welcome Folders for parents
A. recommended supplies and classroom needs.
B. Teacher Contact
C. Return document with parent contact
6.Clothespins with students lunch numbers for lunchtime.
7.Prepare for labeling backpacks for:
A. Car rider
B. Bus rider (different for each bus)
C. After care
8. Get to know coworkers and build relationships with them.
9. Learn your way around the school if new.
10. Know your students schedule and come up with a timeline of when to go places or when to change subjects.

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EDU 425 Classroom Procedure Template (1)

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Bank of Ideas For Supporting Who Have Exceptional Behavior Needs:

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Bank of Ideas For Supporting Who Have Exceptional Behavior Needs:

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1. Have a way for students to take a break or go for a walk to calm down.

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1. Allow students to take a break when feeling overwhelmed or unhappy.
2. Provide an area in the classroom with pillows/stuffed animals for students to go take some time. Holding something soft tend to keep students calmer and reduces their stress.
3. Teach students the proper way to self-regulate their emotions.

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1. Provide the opportunities for breaks. This can be inside the classroom or outside the classroom breaks.
2. A "calm-corner" in the classroom where students can step away and show to their fellow classmates they would like to be alone.
3. Teach students how to self regulate their emotions and remain calm towards others.
4. Give students the opportunity to gain rewards for good behavior. This can be in the form of a phone call home or a punch card to gain access to the treasure box.
5. Give students an outlet. This could include stress balls, fidget spinners, or even my favorite "desk pets". Desk pets are erasers or even fuzz balls that students take care of and when they act out their pet gets sad and has to be removed and put in classroom jail till their owner can be responsible.
6. Simply keep the classroom calm. Keep stress out of your class and keep your students happy and working hard.

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Parents, school staff, and other caring adults have a role to play in preventing bullying. They can:

Help Kids Understand Bullying

Kids who know what bullying is can better identify it. They can talk about bullying if it happens to them or others. Kids need to know ways to safely stand up to bullying and how to get help.

Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. The adult can give comfort, support, and advice, even if they can't solve the problem directly. Encourage the child to report bullying if it happens.

Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully. Give tips, like using humor and saying "stop" directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don't work, like walking away

Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or groups of other kids.

Urge them to help kids who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help.

Watch the short webisodes and discuss them - PDF with kids.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Research tells us that children really do look to parents and caregivers for advice and help on tough decisions. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure kids that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. Start conversations about daily life and feelings with questions like these:

What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?

What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?

What is it like to ride the school bus?

What are you good at? What would do you like best about yourself?

Talking about bullyin g directly is an important step in understanding how the issue might be affecting kids. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but it is important to encourage kids to answer them honestly. Assure kids that they are not alone in addressing any problems that arise. Start conversations about bullying with questions like these:

What does "bullying" mean to you?

Describe what kids who bully are like. Why do you think people bully?

Who are the adults you trust most when it comes to things like bullying?

Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of bullying? What ways have you tried to change it?

What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?

Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?

What do you usually do when you see bullying going on?

Do you ever see kids at your school being bullied by other kids? How does it make you feel?

Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Get more ideas for talking with children - PDF about life and about bullying. If concerns come up, be sure to respond.

There are simple ways that parents and caregivers can keep up-to-date with kids' lives.

Read class newsletters and school flyers. Talk about them at home.

Check the school website

Go to school events

Greet the bus driver

Meet teachers and counselors at "Back to School" night or reach out by email

Share phone numbers with other kids' parents

Teachers and school staff also have a role to play.

Encourage Kids to Do What They Love

Help kids take part in activities, interests, and hobbies they like. Kids can volunteer, play sports, sing in a chorus, or join a youth group or school club. These activities give kids a chance to have fun and meet others with the same interests. They can build confidence and friendships that help protect kids from bullying.

Model How to Treat Others with Kindness and Respect

Kids learn from adults' actions. By treating others with kindness and respect, adults show the kids in their lives that there is no place for bullying. Even if it seems like they are not paying attention, kids are watching how adults manage stress and conflict, as well as how they treat their friends, colleagues, and families.

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Parents, school staff, and other adults can help prevent bullying.

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Classroom meetings provide a safe place for students to talk about school-related issues beyond their classroom academics. These meetings can help teachers stay informed about what is going on at school and help students feel safe and supported. It allows for teachers to address the bully and the victim while coming up with positive ways to settle the issue.

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Strategies that promote respect and positive relationships can help prevent bullying in the classroom.

Strategies for school staff

When students feel empowered to tell adults when bullying occurs, to create opportunities for positive relationships and make commitments not to engage in bullying, they can establish a positive peer culture that makes a huge contribution to the school culture as a whole and will reduce bullying.

Teachers can:

develop rules with students so they set their own climate of respect and responsibility

teach their students that they can and should stand up for others, and how to do this in a safe way.

All school staff can:

use positive terms, like what to do rather than what not to do

be a role model and follow the school rules

reinforce the rules

consistently apply consequences for not following the rules

show students respect and encourage them to be successful

make expectations clear - keep requests simple, direct, and specific

reward good behaviour - try to affirm good behaviour four to five times for every one criticism of bad behaviour

use one-on-one feedback

help students correct their behaviours - help them understand breaking the rules results in consequences: "I know you can stop [negative action] and go back to [positive action]. If you choose to continue, then [consequence]."

Classroom meetings

Classroom meetings provide a forum for students to talk about school-related issues beyond academics. These meetings can help teachers stay informed about what is going on at school and help students feel safe and supported.

These meetings work best in classrooms where a culture of respect is already established. Classroom meetings are typically short and held on a regular schedule. They can be held in a student's main classroom, home room, or advisory period.

Establish ground rules

Students should feel free to discuss issues without fear. Classroom meetings are not a time to discuss individual conflicts or gossip about others - 'No Blame Approach'.

Start the conversation

Focus on specific topics, such as bullying or respectful behaviours. Meetings can identify and address problems affecting the group as a whole. Stories should be broad and lead to solutions that build trust and respect between students. Use open-ended questions or prompts such as:

share an example of a student who helped someone at school this week

without names, share an example of someone who made another student feel bad

what did students nearby do? What did you do? Did you want to do something different? Why or why not?

if you could describe the perfect response to the situation what would it be? How hard or easy would it be to do? Why?

how can the adults be more helpful?

End the meeting

End the meeting with a reminder that it is everyone's job to make school a positive place to learn. Encourage students to talk to teachers or other trusted adults if they see bullying or are worried about how someone is being treated.

Follow-up when necessary

Monitor student body language and reactions. If a topic seems to be affecting a student, follow-up with him or her. Know what resources are available to support students affected by bullying.

More information

For more information and support, see:

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Strategies that promote respect and positive relationships can help prevent bullying in the classroom. When students feel empowered to tell adults when bullying occurs, to create opportunities for positive relationships and make commitments not to engage in bullying, they can establish a positive peer culture that makes a huge contribution to the school culture as a whole and will reduce bullying.

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It is important to make the classroom environment as diverse and multicultural in order to make students from all backgrounds feel comfortable and represented within the classroom.

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Showcase to students that their backgrounds are not forgotten.

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Supporting Students That Experienced Traumatic Events

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Supporting Students That Experienced Traumatic Events

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Creating an open and accepting environment is the first step in helping children who have experienced trauma. It is also important to talk with your students and show them respect when they need time or help. The article below provides tips for teachers who have students that are suffering from their traumatic experiences.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Along with these tips and the ones in the previous article, working with the guidance counselors and parents to do everything possible to make the student feel safe and work through their feelings.

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All children face disappointment and fears, but some students deal with more serious, often traumatic, hardships at home. The term "trauma" can encompass many situations, explains Lori Sanchez, Ed.D. "In the past, when you talked about a child experiencing trauma, you assumed abuse or neglect," she says. "Now we understand that trauma can mean a lot of things-families dealing with divorce, serious illness, a natural disaster, a military deployment, and more." Of course, you can't undo the painful experiences your students have gone through, but you can make a difference in their learning and their resilience by bringing innovative strategies into your classroom.

To help students deal with stressful situations at home, many schools are using innovative trauma-informed strategies. Here are some of the most effective tools for teachers.

Look beyond the behavior

Research has shown that traumatic experiences alter the brain and can affect children socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. It's a quadruple whammy. Toxic levels of stress and anxiety shape behavior and may make kids appear angry, depressed, checked out, uncooperative, or distracted, says psychologist Jamie Howard, PhD, of the Child Mind Institute in New York City. "When you adopt a trauma-informed perspective, you approach that student's behavior with openness and curiosity," she says.

"Rather than jumping to the conclusion that she's a problem, ask yourself, 'What happened to this child and why is she behaving this way?' " Howard recalls one student she worked with who didn't want to go to the front of the classroom to write on the board. "He seemed defiant, but actually it was scary to him to have his back exposed to the whole room," she says. It turns out he had an unstable home life and was bringing some of his fears and insecurities into the classroom.

Build relationships

You already know how important it is to have good relationships with your students. But for children who have been affected by trauma, strong connections are vital. Rich relationships with teachers help children form the foundations of resilience.

Building bonds is a central component of August Spiegelberg's classroom at Bruce Vento Elementary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where more than 90% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Spiegelberg regularly invites one or two of his fourth graders to eat lunch with him, using the opportunity to get to know them better. "I ask questions and then set them up to answer what they feel comfortable sharing," he says. He also tries to form relationships with the student's whole family. "But when a parent isn't super responsive, I try even harder to build a relationship with the child. The better we know students, the better we can teach them."

Create a safe environment

You play a critical role in making your students feel welcome in your classroom. "Students have to feel secure and connected, both to adults and to peers, in order to learn," says Susan Cole, director of the Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative in Boston.

That's the kind of environment seventh-grade teacher Lauren Jansen, EdD, fosters at North Middle School in O'Fallon, Missouri. "I'm keenly aware of how my students interact with each other," she says. "When I see anything negative beginning to happen, like one student picking on another one, I stop it immediately and have a conversation with the child, reminding them why it's not OK. My classroom is a place where students know they can be themselves and won't be made fun of."

It's also key to recognize that any student, regardless of their home life, can grow scared and anxious by a national news story such as a school shooting or a devastating hurricane. To ease children's fears in the wake of a tragedy like this, talk about the news as a group (in an age-appropriate way, of course), and reassure them that they're not in danger.

Meet students where they are

To help a student experiencing trauma feel settled in the classroom, you might need to make special accommodations. When Lori Sanchez, EdD taught sixth grade, she came up with creative solutions for students who were dealing with the aftermath of trauma.

She remembers one student who had been abandoned as a baby. Although the child was living with wonderfully supportive adoptive parents, she would periodically burst into tears in the middle of class, afraid that her parents were going to leave her. Sanchez kept a phone on her desk and allowed the girl to call her parents whenever she got anxious. "Just knowing the phone was there was enough to calm her," she says.

Perhaps you have a student in your class who's cranky and disruptive in the morning because he doesn't have a regular bedtime, or who melts down easily because her parents are fighting. Setting up a "safe space" in your classroom, where a child can take a short break to calm down, de-stress, and even take a short nap if they're tired, can make a world of difference.

Be predictable

Feeling out of control is one of the hallmarks of traumatic experiences, so adhering to a clear, predictable routine in your classroom provides students with a sense of stability. Tammi Mueller, a first-grade teacher at Riceville Community School in Riceville, Iowa, has students who live in foster care, a situation that often involves trauma and disruption. "I try to keep a scheduled classroom to help anchor the kids," she says. "I have a visual schedule at the front of the room, and I keep to a routine as much as possible. If I have to change things, I make sure I tell them."

You can't adopt a trauma-informed approach in your classroom all on your own. It takes teamwork and sharing what you know with colleagues. "Meet with the educators and others in your school and start a study group," advises Susan Cole. Think about strategies for working with a small team and get the support of your principal. The best news is that trauma-sensitive techniques don't just benefit kids who are struggling; they help all your students build resilience, confidence, and well-being.

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Trauma-Informed Strategies to Use in Your Classroom | Resilient Educator

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All children face disappointment and fears, but some students deal with more serious, often traumatic, hardships at home. The term "trauma" can encompass many

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This is the student handbook that not only talks about the forms of bullying but also harassment and violence. This is good to briefly go over with students.